Mom Teaches Herself How to Use Power Tools and Builds Son a One-of-a-Kind Disney “Cars” Display for Less Than $50 (Exclusive)

Kaitlyn Larson’s journey into the world of DIY home projects began out of necessity six years ago when she faced a challenge while searching for a king-sized bed and matching nightstands. With her budget often falling short of her desired pieces, the Minnesota mother decided to venture into furniture construction herself, igniting a newfound passion for woodworking and home renovation. This venture has blossomed into a successful career as a DIY content creator, where she now shares her projects and inspirations with a broad audience.

Reflecting on her decision to learn power tools, Larson noted, “Once I made that decision, I realised I didn’t want to rely on someone else every time I needed a board cut, so I taught myself how to use power tools.” Since then, she has developed her skills to create customised furniture and spaces in her home, showcasing her creations online for others to admire and draw inspiration from.

Her most recent project was inspired by her three-year-old son’s fascination with Disney Pixar’s “Cars.” Looking to maximise space and create a special area in his bedroom, Larson transformed a blank wall into an ingenious miniature garage that prominently displays his collection of die-cast cars. “My son has always been obsessed with Disney Pixar’s Cars, and I wanted to create something that felt really unique for his room,” she explained. By utilising concepts she found online, she was able to design a garage that serves both a functional and whimsical purpose.

The project was a collaborative effort with Dremel’s Blueprint line of tools, and while the actual construction took only a few days, Larson spent a considerable amount of time on the planning stages, ensuring accuracy in measurements and design. Impressively, the total expenditure for materials was less than £50, encompassing lumber, plywood, paint, checkerboard contact paper, screws, and an unexpected find: a sticker book featuring Disney Cars.

“Incorporating the sticker book as a backdrop really elevated the project,” Larson shared, admitting that it provided the perfect finishing touch. However, not every aspect of the build was easy. Upon cutting into the wall, Larson faced an unexpected obstacle: a 2×6 framing member that required her to redesign part of the garage on the spot.

Despite these challenges, Larson’s children were enthusiastic participants throughout the build process, eagerly observing her every move. Their involvement added an element of excitement to the project, and she felt a profound sense of achievement once all the elements came together. “When I added the sticker book backdrops, it suddenly looked like a real little Cars garage instead of just a collection of wooden boxes,” she said, highlighting the transformative moment.

Initially sharing her build on social media in May 2025, Larson later re-edited the footage into a more extended video that significantly boosted its visibility, leading to an astonishing 11.7 million views on Instagram. “The response has honestly been incredible,” she noted, explaining how parents resonate with the creativity and practicality behind the project, allowing children to enjoy their interests while keeping spaces tidy.

Even more touching for Larson was her son’s joyful reaction when he saw the finished product. “He absolutely loved it,” she recounted, recalling his heartfelt expression of gratitude, “Thank you, poopsie Mommy.” His continued play with the garage reinforces the success of Larson’s efforts.

For those contemplating embarking on similar DIY adventures, Larson emphasises thorough preparation. “If you’re cutting into a wall, make sure you know what’s behind it first,” she advised, highlighting the importance of locating studs and being mindful of any electrical wiring before commencing work. She encourages parents not to be daunted by ambitious DIY undertakings. “Planning is the hardest part,” she reassured, “but once you have a plan, you can work through it one step at a time.”

Finally, Larson encourages parents to embrace creativity in their children’s spaces. “Kids’ rooms are one place where you can really embrace the fun,” she commented, urging families to lean into their children’s current interests. She believes these personalised spaces foster joy and engagement while creating lasting memories in the process.